There's no way we are getting over with rich and bold flavours of south Indian cuisine anytime soon. Whether it is Hyderabadi biryani, Andhra-style chicken curry or the special chicken stew paired with appams, each state of southern India boasts of eclectic dishes that are sure to impress. Chettinad cuisine, for instance, is one of the many gems that top our list of must-try regional Indian cuisines. Hailing from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, an area which is dominated by the Chettiar community, the Chettinad cuisine is believed to be one of the spiciest cuisines of India.
Loaded with pepper along with extensive use of bold and indigenous spices such as star anise, Marathi mokku (dried flower pods) and kalpasi (stone flower), the Chettinad preparations are often simple and brings out a perfect balance of flavours. Meat preparations are a highlight of the cuisine. Chicken Chettinad might be one of the most popular ones but mutton dishes can often steal the show. This mutton chukka recipe is one such dish that has distinct flavours and can be a great addition to your weekend spread.
Chukka means dry and this recipe is a dry mutton dish that is cooked in a melange of freshly ground spices and red chillies that makes for Chettinad masala and a strong flavour of pepper. Find the recipe below-
(Also Read: 11 Best Chettinad Recipes)
Mutton Chukka Recipe
Ingredients-
Mutton - 250 gms
Oil- 1 1/2 tbsp
Onion (chopped)- 2
Tomato (chopped)- 1
Ginger-garlic paste- 1 tsp
Curry leaves- 1/2 sprig
Tamarind paste- 1 1/2 tsp (optional)
Turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp
Salt- to taste
Spice mix- 2 tbsp
Spice Mix-
Coriander seeds- 1 tbsp
Kashmiri Dry red chilies- 4
Peppercorns- 1/2 tsp
Cinnamon stick- 1 inch
Cloves- 3
Fennel seeds- 2 tsp
Cumin seeds- 3 tsp
Coconut (grated)- 1/2 tbsp
Mace- 1
Stone flower- 1/2 tbsp.
Star anise- 1
Method:
1. Cook the mutton in 1/2 cup water in a pressure cooker for about 30 minutes. Keep the flame low. Sieve the mutton from the stock and keep both of it aside.
2. Meanwhile, dry roast the ingredients of the spice mix together and grind with little water to a fine paste.
3. Now, heat some oil in a pan and saute onions and tomatoes together. Saute till the mix turn light-brown.
4. Add the ground chettinad masala to it and mix well. Let it saute and then add ginger-garlic paste along with turmeric powder and curry leaves.
5. Add the cooked mutton along with tamarind, if you are using. Mix well along with the stock.
6. Let it simmer, covered till a thick gravy.
Pair the dish of mutton chukka with rice or appams for a wholesome meal. Try it at home and share your experience with us in the comments section below.